Martell, Joseph Ray Daniel “Dan”, Age 83, Debert, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2021, at home, as per his wishes, surrounded by his family and devoted wife of 60 years, Deanna.

Born in Sydney, N.S., he was a son of the late John Raymond and Beatrice (Drover) Martell.

Daniel, affectionately known as “Gramps” or “Papa Bear” was a proud Cape Bretoner who had a 23 year career with the military. Daniel started in the Black Watch division, transferred to the signal corps, mid-career and retired as a Sergeant in 1978. During his time with DND he had one tour overseas in Egypt on a peacekeeping mission.

Dan was an active member of the Debert Legion # 106 for 43 years. Dan was also the author of the column “Legion Notes” in the Shoreline Journal, which he often closed with, “If you are enjoying your freedom, make sure you thank a veteran.” Dan was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dan was a devout Catholic and family man and his family brought him extreme joy. Dan had many hobbies, of which he had collections of stamps, lapel pins, ball hats, coins, and hockey cards. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved his hunting and fishing. Birdwatching and feeding the birds was always a joy to him throughout his life. Dan was a big sports enthusiast who will always be remembered as an avid Toronto Blue Jay fan and a die-hard Maple Leafs fan.

Most importantly, Daniel will be remembered for his kindness to others and his fabulous sense of humour, which he kept until his final days. He always had a few kind words for everyone and will be remembered for some of his sayings; “Don’t forget to torment your neighbours”, “Get out of Dodge” and when asked by anyone if there was anything else he needed, his response would always be, “Just a few kind words.”

Daniel is survived by his wife of 60 years, Deanna Marie (Lewis); daughter, “Jo” Annette (Stephen) Williams, Tatamagouche; sons, Timothy (Wendy), Angevine Lake, Larry (Lisa), Debert; grandchildren, Melissa (Natalie), Amanda (Cory), Alex (Lisa), Spencer (Ashlee), Matthew (Ashlynn), Nicholas, Rebekah; great-grandchildren, Allura and Daniel; brother, Gordon (Carol); sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Iris.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Jeremiah and Alfred.

A special thank you goes out to the VON and Palliative Care staff for their assistance in helping the family fulfill Gramps’ wish to die at home. Without their assistance, this would have been impossible.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Palliative Care or some of Dan’s favorite charities: The Salvation Army, Soul’s Harbour, or the Canadian Wildlife Association.